Max Verstappen Dealt Major Blow Ahead of 2026 as Red Bull Star Linked With Move

Max Verstappen may have to make a major adjustment in the 2026 season as a key Red Bull official has been linked with a shock move.

With 2026 now just a days away, excitement for the upcoming Formula One season is starting to build ahead of the opening race in early March.

The new season promises to be one of the best of all time as the introduction of new race regulations could completely shake up the entire grid.

Drivers from every one of the expanded 11-team grid will have to learn to adjust to the new rules, with the biggest changing being the introduction three new and different modes to aid overtaking, replacing the popular DRS system (Drag Reduction System).

But a shocking new report has revealed that Verstappen may have to make another major adjustment as a key member of the Red Bull team could leave ahead of the 2026 season.

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Early in 2025, Red Bull's former legendary designer Adrian Newey made the surprise decision to join rival team Aston Martin for the remainder of the season and beyond.

And according to a report from The Race, he may not be the only major name in the Red Bull garage to make the move to Aston Martin in the near future, as Verstappen’s long-time race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase (GP) is reportedly being targeted by the Silverstone-based team.

It is claimed that Aston Martin are in talks with appoint Lambiase about a senior role within the team, amid recent speculation that the Italian may have worked his last race with Red Bull.

Following the season-closer at Abu Dhabi, GP was heard giving an emotional message to Verstappen, who he has worked with for nearly a decade.

After the race, Lambiase said: “You can be proud of that mate, hold your head up high.”

Verstappen cryptically replied: "We showed them one final time who's boss.”

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With Lambiase also missing some races during the season, it has been widely speculated that he could step down from his role as Verstappen's race engineer, but could remain at Red Bull in another role.

However, according to 'high-level sources' the possibility of him switching teams has opened up.

The report claims that the exact position that GP would take at Aston Martin is not known, but it could be as at team principal or CEO level.

Should the move happen, it would no doubt further fuel rumours that Verstappen could leave Red Bull at the end of the 2026 season, particularly those rumours suggesting he could join Newey at Aston Martin.